Separate vs. Split — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
Separate involves dividing or keeping apart, emphasizing distinction, while split implies breaking or dividing into parts, often more forcefully.
Difference Between Separate and Split
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Separate is the act of dividing or distinguishing between two or more entities or elements, ensuring that they stand apart from one another. This can be done physically, like separating clothes into piles, or conceptually, like separating ideas into categories. On the other hand, to split something often implies a division into parts or pieces, which can suggest a more forceful or abrupt action, such as splitting wood or splitting up a company.
When you separate items, the focus is on the act of placing them apart or into different categories, often with a purpose of organization or distinction. This process can be gentle or meticulous, such as when separating ingredients while cooking. Whereas splitting something might involve a more decisive or sharp action, and is often used in contexts where there is a clear division or breakup, such as splitting a piece of wood or splitting profits.
The term separate can also imply a broader range of applications beyond physical division, including emotional or social distinctions. For instance, separating oneself from a situation can mean emotionally distancing oneself from it. Splitting, however, tends to imply a more tangible division, and its usage often involves physical objects or defined groups, like splitting a dinner bill or a group splitting into teams.
In legal or formal contexts, separate can imply a division under specific terms or conditions, such as separate property in law, which remains owned by one spouse. Split, in such contexts, might be used to describe the division of assets or responsibilities, often implying an equitable division, such as splitting assets during a divorce.
While both actions involve dividing or parting ways, separate often carries a connotation of sorting or organizing, and can imply a more deliberate or thoughtful process. Split, by contrast, suggests a division into parts or pieces and can carry a sense of abruptness or even force, highlighting the manner of division rather than the purpose behind it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
To divide or keep apart, emphasizing distinction.
To break or divide into parts, often more forcefully.
Connotation
Often implies organization, distinction, or deliberate parting.
Suggests a more abrupt, forceful division.
Application
Can be physical, emotional, or conceptual.
Typically involves physical or tangible divisions.
Usage Context
Used in a wide range of contexts, including emotional and social spheres.
Often used in contexts requiring clear, sometimes sharp divisions.
Example
Separating ingredients for a recipe.
Splitting a log with an axe.
Compare with Definitions
Separate
To cause to move or be apart.
She decided to separate the laundry into lights and darks.
Split
To divide or break into parts or pieces.
He used an axe to split the wood for the fireplace.
Separate
Can imply emotional, physical, or social distancing.
After the argument, he felt it best to separate himself from the group.
Split
Suggests an abrupt or decisive action.
The decision to split was made after hours of debate.
Separate
Carries a sense of distinction or setting apart.
They chose to separate their professional and personal lives.
Split
Usually pertains to physical objects or defined groups.
The band split up due to creative differences.
Separate
Often involves an organized or deliberate process.
Graded and ungraded.
Split
Commonly refers to a clear division or separation.
They agreed to split the profits equally among all members.
Separate
Can be applied in various contexts without implying damage.
The contract was designed to separate responsibilities clearly between the parties.
Split
Often conveys a more physical and sometimes forceful action.
The company decided to split into two independent entities.
Separate
To set, force, or keep apart
The referee separated the two boxers.
Split
To divide (something) from end to end, into layers, or along the grain
Split the log down the middle.
Separate
To put space between; space apart or scatter
Small farms that were separated one from another by miles of open land.
Split
Divided.
Republicans appear split on the centerpiece of Mr. Obama's economic recovery plan.
Separate
To form a border or barrier between (two areas or groups)
A hedge separates the two yards.
Split
Having the middle group equal to the direct product of the others.
Separate
To place in different groups; sort
Separate mail by postal zones.
Split
(of coffee) Comprising half decaffeinated and half caffeinated espresso.
Separate
To differentiate or discriminate between; distinguish
A researcher who separated the various ethnic components of the population sample.
Split
Divided so as to be done or executed part at one time or price and part at another time or price.
Separate
To cause to be distinct or different
His natural talent separates him from all the others in the choir.
Split
Given in sixteenths rather than eighths.
Separate
To remove from a mixture or combination; isolate.
Split
(London stock exchange) Designating ordinary stock that has been divided into preferred ordinary and deferred ordinary.
Separate
To cause (one person) to stop living with another, or to cause (a couple) to stop living together, often by decree
She was separated from her husband last year. The couple have been separated for a year.
Split
A crack or longitudinal fissure.
Separate
To terminate a contractual relationship with (someone); discharge.
Split
A breach or separation, as in a political party; a division.
Separate
To come apart; become detached
The lining has separated from the inside of the coat.
Split
A piece that is split off, or made thin, by splitting; a splinter; a fragment.
Separate
To withdraw or break away
The state threatened to separate from the Union.
Split
(leather manufacture) One of the sections of a skin made by dividing it into two or more thicknesses.
Separate
To part company; go away from each other; disperse
The friends separated at the end of the school year.
Split
A maneuver of spreading or sliding the feet apart until the legs are flat on the floor 180 degrees apart, either sideways to the body or with one leg in front and one behind, thus lowering the body completely to the floor in an upright position.
Separate
To stop living together as a couple
They separated after 10 years of marriage.
Split
(bodybuilding) A workout routine as seen by its distribution of muscle groups or the extent and manner they are targeted in a microcycle.
Bro split
Separate
To become divided into components or parts
Oil and water tend to separate.
Split
A split-finger fastball.
He’s got a nasty split.
Separate
Not touching or adjoined; detached
The garage is separate from the house.
Split
(bowling) A result of a first throw that leaves two or more pins standing with one or more pins between them knocked down.
Separate
Existing or considered as an independent entity
The reference collection is separate from the rest of the library.
Split
A split shot or split stroke.
Separate
Dissimilar from all others; distinct or individual
A cable made of many separate fibers.
Two people who hold separate views on the issue.
Split
A dessert or confection resembling a banana split.
Separate
Often Separate Having undergone schism or estrangement from a parent body
Separate churches.
Split
A unit of measure used for champagne or other spirits: 18.75 centiliters or one quarter of a standard 75-centiliter bottle. Commercially comparable to 20 (US) gallon, which is 2 of a fifth.
Separate
A garment, such as a skirt, jacket, or pair of slacks, that may be purchased separately and worn in various combinations with other garments.
Split
A bottle of wine containing 37.5 centiliters, half the volume of a standard 75-centiliter bottle; a demi.
Separate
A stereo component that is purchased separately and connected to other components as part of a system.
Split
(athletics) The elapsed time at specific intermediate points in a race.
In the 3000 m race, his 800 m split was 1:45.32
Separate
An offprint of an article.
Split
(video games) The elapsed time at specific intermediate points in a speedrun.
Separate
Apart from (the rest); not connected to or attached to (anything else).
This chair can be disassembled into five separate pieces.
Split
(construction) A tear resulting from tensile stresses.
Separate
(followed by “from”) Not together (with); not united (to).
I try to keep my personal life separate from work.
Split
(gambling) A division of a stake happening when two cards of the kind on which the stake is laid are dealt in the same turn.
Separate
(transitive) To divide (a thing) into separate parts.
Separate the articles from the headings.
Split
(music) A recording containing songs by multiple artists.
Separate
(transitive) To disunite from a group or mass; to disconnect.
Split
To divide fully or partly along a more or less straight line.
He has split his lip.
Separate
(transitive) To cause (things or people) to be separate.
If the kids get too noisy, separate them for a few minutes.
Split
To break along the grain fully or partly along a more or less straight line.
Separate
(intransitive) To divide itself into separate pieces or substances.
The sauce will separate if you don't keep stirring.
Split
(transitive) To share; to divide.
We split the money among three people.
Separate
(obsolete) To set apart; to select from among others, as for a special use or service.
Split
To leave.
Let's split this scene and see if we can find a real party.
Separate
Anything that is sold by itself, especially articles of clothing such as blouses, skirts, jackets, and pants.
Split
To separate.
Did you hear Dick and Jane split? They'll probably get a divorce.
Separate
(bibliography) A printing of an article from a periodical as its own distinct publication and distributed independently, often with different page numbers.
Split
(ambitransitive) To (cause to) break up; to throw into discord.
Accusations of bribery split the party just before the election.
Separate
To disunite; to divide; to disconnect; to sever; to part in any manner.
From the fine gold I separate the alloy.
Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Split
To factor into linear factors.
Separate
To come between; to keep apart by occupying the space between; to lie between; as, the Mediterranean Sea separates Europe and Africa.
Split
To be broken; to be dashed to pieces.
Separate
To set apart; to select from among others, as for a special use or service.
Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called thaem.
Split
(intransitive) To burst out laughing.
Separate
To part; to become disunited; to be disconnected; to withdraw from one another; as, the family separated.
Split
To divulge a secret; to betray confidence; to peach.
Separate
Divided from another or others; disjoined; disconnected; separated; - said of things once connected.
Him that was separate from his brethren.
Split
For both teams involved in a doubleheader to win one game each and lose another.
Boston split with Philadelphia in a doubleheader, winning the first game 3-1 before losing 2-0 in the nightcap.
Separate
Unconnected; not united or associated; distinct; - said of things that have not been connected.
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinnere.
Split
To vote for candidates of opposite parties.
Separate
Disunited from the body; disembodied; as, a separate spirit; the separate state of souls.
Split
To divide lengthwise; to separate from end to end, esp. by force; to divide in the direction of the grain or layers; to rive; to cleave; as, to split a piece of timber or a board; to split a gem; to split a sheepskin.
Cold winter split the rocks in twain.
Separate
A separately printed article that originally appeared in a larger publication
Split
To burst; to rupture; to rend; to tear asunder.
A huge vessel of exceeding hard marble split asunder by congealed water.
Separate
A garment that can be purchased separately and worn in combinations with other garments
Split
To divide or break up into parts or divisions, as by discord; to separate into parts or parties, as a political party; to disunite.
Separate
Act as a barrier between; stand between;
The mountain range divides the two countries
Split
To divide or separate into components; - often used with up; as, to split up sugar into alcohol and carbonic acid.
Separate
Force, take, or pull apart;
He separated the fighting children
Moses parted the Red Sea
Split
To part asunder; to be rent; to burst; as, vessels split by the freezing of water in them.
Separate
Mark as different;
We distinguish several kinds of maple
Split
To be broken; to be dashed to pieces.
The ship splits on the rock.
Separate
Separate into parts or portions;
Divide the cake into three equal parts
The British carved up the Ottoman Empire after World War I
Split
To separate into parties or factions.
Separate
Come apart;
The two pieces that we had glued separated
Split
To burst with laughter.
Each had a gravity would make you split.
Separate
Divide into components or constituents;
Separate the wheat from the chaff
Split
To divulge a secret; to betray confidence; to peach.
Separate
Arrange or order by classes or categories;
How would you classify these pottery shards--are they prehistoric?
Split
To divide one hand of blackjack into two hands; - a strategy allowed to a player when the first two cards dealt to the player have the same value.
Separate
Become separated into pieces or fragments;
The figurine broke
The freshly baked loaf fell apart
Split
To leave; to depart (from a place or gathering); as, let's split.
Separate
Make a division or separation
Split
A crack, rent, or longitudinal fissure.
Separate
Discontinue an association or relation; go different ways;
The business partners broke over a tax question
The couple separated after 25 years of marriage
My friend and I split up
Split
A breach or separation, as in a political party; a division.
Separate
Go one's own away; move apart;
The friends separated after the party
Split
A piece that is split off, or made thin, by splitting; a splinter; a fragment.
Separate
Divide into two or more branches so as to form a fork;
The road forks
Split
One of the sections of a skin made by dividing it into two or more thicknesses.
Separate
Independent; not united or joint;
A problem consisting of two separate issues
They went their separate ways
Formed a separate church
Split
A division of a stake happening when two cards of the kind on which the stake is laid are dealt in the same turn.
Separate
Individual and distinct;
Pegged down each separate branch to the earth
A gift for every single child
Split
Any of the three or four strips into which osiers are commonly cleft for certain kinds of work; - usually in pl.
Separate
Standing apart; not attached to or supported by anything;
A freestanding bell tower
A house with a separate garage
Split
Short for Split shot or split stroke.
Separate
Not living together as man and wife;
Decided to live apart
Maintaining separate households
They are separated
Split
The feat of going down to the floor so that the legs extend in a straight line, either with one on each side or with one in front and the other behind.
Separate
Characteristic of or meant for a single person or thing;
An individual serving
Separate rooms
Single occupancy
A single bed
Split
A small bottle (containing about half a pint) of some drink; - so called as containing half the quantity of the customary smaller commercial size of bottle; also, a drink of half the usual quantity; a half glass.
Separate
Have the connection undone; having become separate
Split
The substitution of more than one share of a corporation's stock for one share. The market price of the stock usually drops in proportion to the increase in outstanding shares of stock. The split may be in any ratio, as, a two-for-one split; a three-for-two split.
Split
Divided; cleft.
Split
Divided deeply; cleft.
Split
Divided so as to be done or executed part at one time or price and part at another time or price; - said of an order, sale, etc.
Split
Extending the legs at right angles to the trunks (one in front and the other in back)
Split
A bottle containing half the usual amount
Split
A promised or claimed share of loot or money;
He demanded his split before they disbanded
Split
A lengthwise crack in wood;
He inserted the wedge into a split in the log
Split
An opening made forcibly as by pulling apart;
There was a rip in his pants
She had snags in her stockings
Split
An old Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea
Split
A dessert of sliced fruit and ice cream covered with whipped cream and cherries and nuts
Split
(tenpin bowling) a divided formation of pins left standing after the first bowl;
He was winning until he got a split in the tenth frame
Split
An increase in the number of outstanding shares of a corporation without changing the shareholders' equity;
They announced a two-for-one split of the common stock
Split
The act of rending or ripping or splitting something;
He gave the envelope a vigorous rip
Split
Division of a group into opposing factions;
Another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy
Split
Separate into parts or portions;
Divide the cake into three equal parts
The British carved up the Ottoman Empire after World War I
Split
Separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument;
Cleave the bone
Split
Discontinue an association or relation; go different ways;
The business partners broke over a tax question
The couple separated after 25 years of marriage
My friend and I split up
Split
Go one's own away; move apart;
The friends separated after the party
Split
Break open or apart suddenly;
The bubble burst
Split
Being divided or separated;
Split between love and hate
Split
Having been divided; having the unity destroyed;
Congress...gave the impression of...a confusing sum of disconnected local forces
A league of disunited nations
A fragmented coalition
A split group
Split
Broken or burst apart longitudinally;
After the thunderstorm we found a tree with a split trunk
They tore big juicy chunks from the heart of the split watermelon
Split
Having a long rip or tear;
A split lip
Split
(especially of wood) cut or ripped longitudinally with the grain;
We bought split logs for the fireplace
Common Curiosities
Is splitting always physical?
Splitting often refers to physical division but can also describe the division of non-physical entities, like companies or relationships.
Can "separate" and "split" be used interchangeably?
While in some contexts they may overlap, their connotations differ—separate often implies a deliberate or orderly division, whereas split suggests a clearer or more forceful division.
Is splitting up a relationship different from separating in a relationship?
Splitting up often implies the end of a relationship, while separating can suggest a temporary or trial division, with potential for reconciliation.
How does splitting affect legal or financial situations?
In legal and financial contexts, splitting usually refers to dividing assets, responsibilities, or entities into distinct parts, often equitably.
What does it mean to separate emotionally?
Emotional separation involves distancing oneself from feelings, situations, or relationships, often for personal well-being.
How do businesses use the terms separate and split?
Businesses use "separate" to imply structuring or organizing distinct units, while "split" can mean dividing a company into new entities or shares.
Can you split something without causing damage?
Context matters; splitting shares or profits is constructive, but splitting an object typically involves altering its original form.
What is the primary difference between separate and split?
Separate emphasizes division or distinction often with organization, while split implies a more forceful or abrupt breaking into parts.
Can separate imply a temporary division?
Yes, separating can be temporary, like separating students for a class activity, implying they will come back together later.
What does it mean to separate waste?
Separating waste involves dividing it into categories, like recyclables and non-recyclables, for proper disposal or recycling.
Can splitting be seen as a positive action?
Yes, splitting can be positive, such as when a company splits to specialize in different markets or when profits are split among contributors.
Why might someone choose to separate rather than split a shared item?
Choosing to separate rather than split could involve organizing or dividing the item with the intention to maintain or respect its original form or purpose.
What are the emotional implications of splitting up with someone?
Splitting up can involve significant emotional distress, marking the end of a relationship and the beginning of a personal adjustment period.
Does separating always involve physical space?
Not always; separating can also involve emotional or conceptual distances without a physical component.
How do separation and splitting reflect on decision-making?
Both actions reflect decision-making processes, with separation often involving more deliberation and splitting indicating decisive action.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Furfie vs. Furphy
Next Comparison
Velvet vs. SatinAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
